Environment

A global study led by Dartmouth, involving over 50 climate scientists, has provided the first detailed projection of how carbon emissions could drive significant ice loss in Antarctica over the next 300 years. The study, published in Earth's Future, reveals that while Antarctic ice loss will gradually increase throughout the 21st century, it may accelerate dramatically after 2100, leading to potentially catastrophic sea-level rise.

The study combined data from 16 different ice-sheet models, revealing a consistent projection of gradual ice loss until 2100. However, after that point, predictions become highly uncertain, with the potential for rapid and irreversible ice retreat. By 2200, melting Antarctic glaciers could contribute as much as 5.5 feet to global sea levels. Some models even suggest a near-total collapse of the Antarctic ice sheet by 2300 if current carbon emissions are not curbed.

Hélène Seroussi, the study's lead author and associate professor at Dartmouth's Thayer School of Engineering, emphasized that while sea-level projections are typically limited to 2100, the long-term impacts are far more severe. "Beyond 2100, the regions most susceptible to sea-level rise face amplified consequences," she stated.

The research highlights the importance of immediate action to reduce carbon emissions. "The difference between high- and low-emission scenarios becomes stark after 2100," said co-author Mathieu Morlighem, a professor of earth sciences at Dartmouth. "Cutting emissions now is critical to protecting future generations from catastrophic sea-level rise."

The study's findings underscore the urgency for collaborative efforts among scientists to refine ice-sheet models and improve predictions, particularly in regions like West Antarctica, which could see a total collapse before 2200 under current emission levels. The collaboration between scientists aims to address uncertainties in climate projections, particularly for areas like the Greenland ice sheet.

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